Slain Cats to be Honored at 39th Annual Westchester Cat Show Nov. 15-16

The 25 deceased cats discovered in Yonkers earlier this year will be honored posthumously during the 39th Annual Westchester Cat Show this weekend at the County Center in White Plains.

The as-yet unsolved crime occurred in April, and during the Nov. 15-16 event those cats - referred to as the “Yonkers 25” - will be awarded the show’s prestigious Cat of the Year Award.

The bodies, in various stages of decomposition, were discovered by a Yonkers Public Works employee during a routine cleaning assignment at a property off Overlook Terrace. Authorities and the SPCA of Westchester said that the cats appeared to have been beaten to death, as blunt force trauma to their heads has been the preliminary determination of the cause of death.

Below is the press release from organizers of the cat show about the event and the award:

The 39th Annual Westchester Cat Show hopes many tri-state area residents will come out to the County Center in White Plains this weekend, and join in when the show presents its prestigious Cat of the Year Award, for the first time collectively and posthumously. 25 cats and kittens tragically and gruesomely killed in Yonkers this past April will be remembered and recognized with the award for the good their passing has already achieved, in a special ceremony on Saturday.

This criminal act, the worst animal cruelty incident in Westchester history, is still unsolved. All 25 cats were beaten, bagged, and strung up on tree limbs. The Cat Show wants to honor the innocent “Yonkers 25”, and also bring to light a new awareness of the magnitude and effect of animal cruelty in our communities. Several studies have found a clear link between animal cruelty and violence against humans. Humane education must be put in place and proper law enforcement and punishment must be enforced. But already, as a result of this incident, things are happening. New Trap/Neuter/Release programs and other advocacy groups are forming countywide, such as the Cat Protection Council of Westchester. The Westchester Animal Cruelty Hotline is attempting to improve reporting and response to acts of cruelty. So, just like all their fellow Westchester Cat Show Cat of the Year recipients over the past 18 years, these cats did, in fact, achieve something extraordinary. They have made a difference. It just didn’t happen until after they passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

The Cat of the Year ceremony is at 3pm on Saturday, November 15, and a memorial to the slain 25 will be on display at the show all weekend.

The Westchester Cat Show, presented by the non-profit Westchester Feline Club, has over the past 38 years donated upwards of $100,000 from proceeds to animal welfare groups around Westchester and the tri-state. Just by attending, you’ll be doing your part in our community effort to raise awareness of animal cruelty!

WHAT: Westchester Cat Show

200 cats and kittens of all breeds, the Meow Mart, the Feline Fashion Show –

Don’t miss all the fun and excitement!

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16, 2014, 10am-5pm

Cat of the Year Ceremony: 3pm Saturday

Feline Fashion Show: 2pm Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY

TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR: Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children (5-12) $6

Public Transit: Westchester Bee Line Bus System to the door; walk from Metro-North White Plains Station.

For driving directions, call (914) 995-4050, or go to www.countycenter.biz.

For all other Cat Show information, call (914) 739-5408 or e-mail: westchestercatshow@verizon.net

Visit www.westchester-feline.org or Westchester Cat Show on Facebook Download discount coupons!